DA: NC Fair Ride Operator Cooperating

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Authorities say a thrill ride operator arrested following a mishap at the North Carolina State Fair is cooperating with their investigation.

A judge reduced bond for Timothy Dwayne Tutterrow on Monday after Wake County District Attorney Colon Willoughby described him as "helpful."

Tutterrow, of Quitman, Ga., was operating the Vortex ride last month when it suddenly spun into motion as people were trying to get out, seriously injuring three people. He has been in jail since his Oct. 26 arrest.

Tutterrow and ride owner Joshua Gene Macaroni are charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of assault on a juvenile with a deadly weapon. Macaroni was not present during the mishap.

Wake County Sheriff's investigators say the ride was tampered with to bypass critical safety equipment.